The meeting was Anthonys idea, and what a good idea it was too.
Open to all members, the day started at 10am near the Historic Warships
in Birkenhead. At least it did for 3 out of the 4 who turned up on time!
Steven, Anthony and Garry were there at 10am sharp but Matt (aka Spiky
Haired Love God) had other ideas. We waited until 10:45 when he eventually
rolled up, claiming that he couldnt be bothered getting
up!

It was Anthony and Steven who had Matt in their sights

So, on with the photographing we went. It was
clear from the start that it was going to be a day full of innuendos and
quotes. Kick-starting the day was Anthony  when he asked Matt what
his new toy did (referring to his S2 Pro!), Matts reply was simply
it takes pictures! Now theres honesty for you. First stop
was the boats  we paid £5.50 to enter the site with unlimited
photographing.

We thought this was an
Auto Editors Choice button!

This did not include the U boat (U534) which, incidentally set sail from Germany
on the 1st May 1945. It was the very last U Boat that left German soil before
the war ended. She was sunk on 5th May 1945. Thanks to Anthonys over keen
research for that! We spent about 2 and a half hours wandering about between
a minesweeper, light ship, and submarine. There were some great photo opportunities
including very fitting shots of some Coke and Pepsi cans, which just had to
be there didnt they  in a ships galley of all places!

After much photographing, and several rolls of film/memory card later, we decided
that lunch was overdue. So off we headed to the nearby Giggling Sausage
café. All day breakfasts were the order of the day, and that set us up
for the rest of the days picture taking. Except Matt of course, who decided
it was all too much for him! He had a data with a studio, so off he went, declining
the chance to photograph some more of the Wirral.

Next port of call was Bidston hill.
Some great photos here, of Bidston Windmill and an old observatory. By this
time, Anthonys new baby (Minolta Z1) was beginning to get on our nerves!
Every time Anthony turned the camera on, Garry and Steven were reaching
for their mobile phones, since it insisted on playing ridiculous melodies
all the time! Thats why Anthonys Z1 has now been dubbed a phone
camera (not camera phone might I add)!!

Then it was off to Seacombe Ferry terminal, to catch some lovely shots of Liverpool
from across the water. Such a lovely day made these shots possible across the
River Mersey, with members comparing notes on the location of their places of
work! A good few shots here and we were done  even the odd tripod made
an appearance. All this, washed down by a bottle of fizzy pop afterwards! Typical.

Fort Perch at New Brighton was our next stop, with some extremely intriguing
war exhibits at an old museum passing some of the time. Photo opportunities
here were to include the Lighthouse and waves of the sea, as well as the
ePHOTOzine advertisement in the sand! Oh, and not to mention Stevens
fascination with the flags on top of the Fort! The lighthouse was a particular
fascination here, since the light was perfect with a deep blue sky colouring
the waves.

And thats about it really! All in all, a successful day out. Plenty
of talk of recent ePHOTOzine issues, as well as some decent photos. Shame
more people couldnt drag themselves out of bed  like Matt!
(Anthonys words - not mine, Matt!)